Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito stressed the significance of his flagship health initiative, the “Dara ti Umili” program, during the first-ever Blood Service Summit held at the Ammungan Hall, Capitol Compound, Bayombong earlier today, November 8, 2024. The summit, which gathered representatives from both provincial and private hospitals across Nueva Vizcaya, aimed to discuss strategies and strengthen efforts in ensuring a sustainable, locally-sourced blood supply for Novo Vizcayanos.
In his keynote speech, Gov. Gambito passionately reiterated how vital the “Dara ti Umili” program is for Novo Vizcayanos, emphasizing its impact on both healthcare access and emergency services in the region. He expressed deep concern for residents who have had to endure the difficult and often costly process of searching for blood donors outside the province, particularly in cities like Baguio and Manila.
“The essence of the ‘Dara ti Umili’ program is to ensure that our people have easy access to blood when they need it most. It is disheartening to hear stories of our people being forced to look for donors outside the province during emergencies. I do not want my constituents to struggle in such critical times. Through this program, we can make sure that Novo Vizcayanos are never left behind when it comes to life-saving blood donations,” said Gov. Gambito.
The Governor emphasized that the blood collected through the program will be reserved exclusively for the people of Nueva Vizcaya, a move designed to prioritize the needs of local patients over external demands. He further encouraged the residents of the province to actively participate in the program, not only as recipients but also as donors.
“It is always better to be the one giving than to be the one needing. This initiative will not only help save lives but also inspire neighboring provinces to replicate our efforts. If we can sustain and grow the ‘Dara ti Umili’ program, I believe that other regions will follow our lead in creating more localized and self-sufficient blood donation systems,” Gov. Gambito stated. The summit, which included health experts, hospital administrators, and local government officials, also served as a platform for discussing ways to improve blood donation awareness and the establishment of blood donation drives within communities. Discussions focused on increasing participation in blood donation programs, improving storage and handling of donated blood, and creating long-term strategies for a steady supply.
The” Dara ti Umili” program is poised to be one of the most impactful initiatives of the present administration, which clearly demonstrates Gov. Gambito’s commitment to health and welfare of Novo Vizcayanos. As the first-ever blood service summit concluded, it was clear that the Governor’s vision for a self-reliant and compassionate Nueva Vizcaya is already taking shape, with the people’s well-being as its guiding principle.
“We will continue to work together, as a province, to ensure that we have a sustainable supply of blood for every Novo Vizcayano. Let’s unite in this cause and build a stronger, healthier Nueva Vizcaya for future generations,” Gov. Gambito concluded.
The summit is expected to be the first of many initiatives under the “Dara ti Umili” program, with plans for regular blood donation campaigns and more extensive outreach in the coming months. #jmcb
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